Young Women Making a Difference for Christ Through Singing
by Mary Jean Baxley
There are many young women everywhere helping at home, in their community, and in their church. Some are spreading God’s Word by singing. They travel around the country on buses with family or a group of other Christian singers.
“Jesus calls us to do what we are doing to spread the Word. The Bible says that we are to go into all the world and spread the gospel,” said Gabrielle Allen. Gabrielle, age 16 of Branson, Missouri, travels with her family 11 months out of the year singing at concerts. There are 8 children in her family, from ages 4 to 19.
Gabrielle and her family recently returned from Guatemala with Compassion International. They sponsor 9 children. Gabrielle sponsors 2 deaf girls, but she did not let their hearing impairment limit communication. She has been doing sign language for 10 years. She signs at churches and concerts, and on their DVD, On Stage in Arizona(www.allenministries.com or allenministries@juno.com).
Victoria Huggins of St. Paul, North Carolina, is another remarkable 16-year-old. She has appeared at Bill Gaither concerts, Alabama Theatre productions at Myrtle Beach, the National Gospel Quartet Convention, and with Abraham Productions concerts around the country. In September 2004, she sang at the National Mall in Washington, DC, for the dedication of the Native American Museum of the Smithsonian Institute.
“The main thing that keeps me grounded and focused is my family and my prayer life because if you don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus and your family, then you are running on empty. I love Philippians 4:13, because whatever you are going through, it encourages you and you know you can accomplish all things with Jesus. Her most requested songs are “Jesus Is In This House” and “Sky Full of Angels.” She travels with her mother, Beverly, on a bus spreading God’s Word (www.victoriahuggins.net or hugginsbv@aol.com).
The Standridge sisters of Garden City, South Carolina, have been singing and playing musical instruments with their parents since they were preschoolers. Carter Ann is 18 and Oliver is 15. Oliver said, “My music keeps me grounded in the Lord. I think we should all keep focused on what we are supposed to do and not let other kids influence us in the wrong way.”One of Carter Ann’s favorite songs, “They Did Not Know,” was written by her mother, Jan. She looks to Psalm 91 for guidance. Both girls play piano, violin, mandolin, and the guitar (thestandridges@hotmail.com).
Susan Whisnant is the daughter of Pastor Roland and Carol Dry of Rock Hill, South Carolina. She started singing with her parents when she was 12. She now sings with her husband and their group, The Whisnants. “It’s an honor to travel on the bus with my husband and our two sons, Ethan and Austen.
“We serve a God that forgives and is able to do more than we can ever think or ask with His help. If you are discouraged He is the encourager. If you are broken, then He specializes in mending people. I want people to serve the Lord with whatever gift they have—use it for His glory. It can be singing, praying, helping families in need, doing things in your community and church. No deed of goodness is too small if it helps another,’’ said Susan (Susan@Whisnants.com).
Brooke Cason of Aragon, Georgia, sings with her family group, New Desire. She juggles many duties as wife to Labron, mother to Caleb, singer, book author, and women’s conference speaker. But her favorite title is Christian.“I hope young women everywhere know that no matter what life may hand them, God is so almighty that He will perform miracles. God is greater than any battle that can consume them. Surrender to whatever God wants of your life, and allow Him to have full control over every aspect of your life. Just remember—He promises to never leave or forsake us,” said Brooke (www.newdesire.org or brooke@newdesire.org).
My Mission for the Week....
Please check out the following website to learn more about Christmas in August. If you and your family feel led to give, there are missionary names and need lists by the North American Mission Board. Simply pack up those items and mail them to the addresses listed.
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